EPSRC Strategic Infrastructure 2026 (invite only)
Forecasted
EPSRC Strategic Infrastructure 2026 (invite only) supports research institutions with new infrastructure and better use of existing equipment to enable high-priority UK engineering and physical sciences research.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2027 (February outline panel cohort) | October 2027 (July outline panel cohort / overall closing)
Funding Amounts: Infrastructure threshold £400,000 including VAT; capital costs up to 100% FEC, non-capital costs 80% FEC; resource-only awards up to two years unless otherwise agreed
Summary: Supports strategic infrastructure purchases and improved use of existing equipment to strengthen UK capability and enable high-priority engineering and physical sciences research.
Key Information: Full proposals require a formal invitation following a successful outline application.
Description
Run by UKRI’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), this programme supports infrastructure that enhances UK scientific capability and enables cutting-edge research aligned with national priorities. Requests should fit the host institution’s strategy and support research predominantly within EPSRC’s remit. Infrastructure need not be nationally unique if its strategic case demonstrates that it will enable new, world-leading, high-priority science.
Two routes support either purchasing and setting up strategic infrastructure or improving use of equipment already installed. New infrastructure can include capital equipment and computing hardware, with justified supporting non-capital resources. Existing-infrastructure support aims to improve access, sharing, utilisation and long-term sustainability through additional technical support, training, services and access systems. Both routes emphasise complementary research capacity, a diverse user community, accessibility, and economic, environmental and social sustainability.
